CAMPUS · NEW YORK, NY · PRIVATE

Columbia University

Columbia University in the City of New York

4.2%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Columbia University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

4.2%

of 57,613 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$102,491

across all majors

Columbia University at a Glance

37,954

Total Enrollment

$21,500

Median Debt

23.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Columbia University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	730	770	750
SAT Math	760	800	780
SAT Total	1490	1570	1530
ACT Composite	34	35	34

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	57,613
Students Admitted	2,439
Students Enrolled	1,540
Yield Rate	63.1%

Columbia University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#12	2025
QS World University Rankings	#7	2025
THE World University Rankings	#16	2025
ARWU (Shanghai)	#8	2024

Show 10-Year US News Ranking History

US News National Universities
2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
#4	#5	#5	#3	#3	#3	#3	#12	#12	#12

US News National Universities: #4 (2016) → #12 (2025) ↓ 8 spots

Columbia University Overview

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY with 37,954 students. With a 4.2% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering.

Full Name	Columbia University in the City of New York
Location	New York, NY 10027
Type	Private
Website	columbia.edu/
Total Enrollment	37,954
Undergrad Enrollment	9,511
Female Students	49.0%

Is Columbia University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

With an acceptance rate of 4.2%, Columbia University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.

Your Profile	Columbia University Is...	What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application	Match	Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths	Reach	Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA	Hard Reach	Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates

Popular Majors at Columbia University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Social Sciences

25.8%

Computer Science

14.1%

Engineering

10.7%

Biological Sciences

6.1%

Psychology

5.8%

Best Majors at Columbia University →

Student Demographics

White

31.8%

Black/African American

7.4%

Hispanic/Latino

15.4%

Asian

18.2%

International

18.7%

How to Get Into Columbia University

Columbia is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1530+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Columbia wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1530

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

4.2%

Acceptance Rate

57,613

Total Applicants

What Columbia University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Columbia University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Columbia University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Decision	Nov 1
Regular Decision	Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Feb 15

Early Decision: Columbia University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Columbia University is your clear first choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia University

What is Columbia's acceptance rate?

Columbia has an acceptance rate of 4.2%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Columbia?

The middle 50% SAT range at Columbia is 1490-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 34-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Columbia?

The most popular majors at Columbia by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (25.8%), Computer Science (14.1%), Engineering (10.7%), Biological Sciences (6.1%), Psychology (5.8%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to Columbia?

Columbia accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.